A source told NDTV: "Considering the kind of close friendship Ayan shares with Ranbir, he's aware of the relationship the actor shared with Deepika.

"At the same time, he was also well aware of their split when he offered his film to her. His story has a few intimate scenes between the lead pair."

Initially, the actors were reported to have had no qualms about doing the scenes.

"Keeping in mind that they're thorough professionals, it would be natural to expect them to play their parts as actors," claimed the source. "However, that time the shooting had not started. Now that the filming is under way, Ayan has changed his mind."

The insider added that Mukherji feels there is a visible difference in how Ranbir and Deepika relate to each other now.

"Though they're like friends, doing intimate scenes for the camera is a different thing altogether. So, if Ayan senses any awkwardness on part of either of them, especially Deepika, in the intimate scenes, then he'd rather do away with them.

"If that comfort level is not there to be seen on camera, then that could affect the overall chemistry they share in the film."